A proposed academy in Kraków, Poland, would not only give local residents a place to study and listen to music, but would be a new leisure destination within the city and help to clean its air. Referred to by project designer FAAB Architektura only as the “Music Academy,” it would boast a smog-eating green roof and be situated in a newly built public park.

The design for the 16,500-sq m (177,600-sq ft) development exemplifies not only placemaking through design, but through a connection to city residents. Its striking, angular architecture with wooden panelling, said to be similar to that used elsewhere in Kraków, would be seen by visitors to concerts and people enjoying the surrounding park. Meanwhile, its potential for tackling the city’s air pollution, which according to FAAB can exceed purity of air standards by up to five times, would raise it favourably in the local collective consciousness.

These factors could be reflected in the communications strategy of the venue. Destination marketing can benefit greatly from focusing on features for making places unique and on drawing upon the existing goodwill that stakeholders have for a venue.

The proposed site for the Music Academy is a former military base, which would allow it to link the city and the Vistula river. The three buildings comprising the development would “meander” through the proposed park providing both interior and exterior spaces. The largest of the buildings would house practice rooms, performance rooms, administration and common services, while one of the smaller volumes would be used as a concert hall.

The 1,300-sq m (14,000-sq ft) green roof and so-called "Air Purifier" from Green City Solutions is designed to absorb the same amount of pollution as a supposed 33,000 trees. Among its other sustainability features would be the recycling of rainwater and the re-harnessing of heat from hot water that is used. Elsewhere, access around the site is prioritized for pedestrians and cyclists, rather than for car traffic.

The Music Academy concept was created by FAAB for a design competition, which was launched in autumn last year. Entries put through to the second round of the competition were announced this month. While, FAAB's design was not successful in reaching the second round, it makes for a thought-provoking concept nonetheless.

Source & images: FAAB Architektura

As an expert in placemaking communications, Active Profile seeks out inspiring projects from around the world for insight and commentary. There's more detailed info about placemaking in our ebook Effective Placemaking Communications For Your Mixed-Use Development, Volume 1: Explore, which you can download for free.